Flexibility

Most trainers, exercise physiologists, and health care

professionals agree that flexibility training, although often overlooked, is an important

component of a physical fitness program. Stretching becomes even more important as
athletes and/or SEALs achieve advanced levels of muscle strength and endurance. If
optimum performance is the goal, then adherence to a consistent flexibility program is
required.

Flexibility Benefits

Proper use of stretching increases flexibility and provides the following benefits:

• Improved performance.
• Reduced potential for injury (i.e., muscle strain or sprain).
• Reduced muscle soreness.
• Decreased risk and severity of low-back pain.
• Increased agility.
• Increased blood flow to the joints.

Proper physical conditioning is necessary for successful mission

performance. Flexibility is an integral part of a conditioning program and
enhances performance by extending the range of motion in which one can
optimally perform. SEALs are at high risk for musculoskeletal injuries. Joint
stability and consequent protection against injury are best achieved through a

balanced physical conditioning program designed to improve both muscle

strength and flexibility. Strength and flexibility training should be considered
interdependent since both are involved in the degree and quality of movement
across a joint.
 

Muscles that are strengthened should be stretched, and vice versa. An intense

strength workout can cause microtrauma to the muscles, and the process of recovery can
shorten the muscles and connective tissue. Stretching prevents this shortening which could
contribute to muscle strains or other overuse injuries (e.g., tendonitis, fasciitis).
Flexibility training, without concurrent strength training, weakens the muscles and
connective tissue and places the joints and muscles at risk for sprains, partial and complete
dislocations, and muscle strains. Strengthening the muscles surrounding a stretched joint
helps stabilize the joint and improve muscular function, thus decreasing the likelihood of
injury.

Overstretching may lead to injury; however, as long as a flexibility program is well

balanced with strength training, this possibility is negligible.